Geoparks and Geological Nature Reserve

The Alpes de Haute Provence region is home to two UNESCO Global Geoparks and a unique nature reserve, all testaments to the extraordinary geological and cultural richness of this territory. Together, the Haute-Provence Geopark, the Luberon Geopark, and the Haute-Provence Geological Nature Reserve form an exceptional area, recognized worldwide for its spectacular landscapes, its millennia-old fossils, and its commitment to biodiversity conservation. These sites offer a fascinating dialogue between geology, nature, and human history, making the Alpes de Haute Provence an essential destination for nature and heritage enthusiasts.

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Haute-Provence Geopark

The world's first UNESCO Global Geopark, this territory covers more than 2000 km². It is distinguished by its iconic sites..
In many places, you'll see fossils exposed in the open air! Discovery trails, routes, and designated areas are there to guide you on this journey. Clues, spectacular folds, a velodrome, tidalites, conglomerates (sedimentary rocks), a marine ichthyosaur skeleton, fossils, an ammonite slab, and more—you'll leave with your head full of memories!

• The Ammonite Slab : a spectacular testimony of marine life dating back 150 million years.
• The Clues of Barles : impressive gorges offering unique panoramas and remarkable rock formations.
• The Promenade Museum in Digne-les-Bains : UNESCO Global Geoparks headquarters, which combines contemporary art and geology in a natural setting.

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Luberon Geopark

The Luberon Geopark, although shared between the Vaucluse and the Alpes de Haute Provence, is home to spectacular and historically significant geological sites in the latter part.Among them, the Oppedette Gorges offer a breathtaking landscape, where erosion has sculpted impressive limestone cliffs, forming narrow and deep canyons. This place is ideal for hiking and exploration, while revealing geological strata that bear witness to the region's tumultuous past.

Another remarkable site, the Mourres at Forcalquier, reveals a unique, almost lunar landscape.These mushroom-shaped limestone formations, eroded by wind and water, tell a story millions of years old. This site, particularly popular with hikers and photographers, perfectly illustrates the diversity and originality of the Luberon's geological heritage.

These iconic places highlight the exceptional character of the Luberon Geopark's alpine territory, where nature and time come together to create wonders to be discovered.

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The Geological Nature Reserve

Created to preserve the region's unique geological treasures, the The Haute-Provence Geological Nature Reserve protects a territory where every path tells a story..
You can explore:

• Spectacular fossils : large, perfectly preserved specimens, such as giant ammonites.
• Ancient rock formations : witnesses to tectonic upheavals.
• Educational trails and guided tours : suggested by the teams at the Promenade Museum to better understand these wonders.

What to do in the Geoparks and the Geological Nature Reserve?

Geological Experiments

• Guided tours : the teams from the Geoparks and the Reserve offer interpretive trails to delve into the history of the Earth.
• Thematic hikes : Follow marked trails to discover traces of ancient seas, volcanoes and tectonic faults.

Outdoor recreation

• Go mountain biking, paragliding or hiking to explore the diverse landscapes.
• Take advantage of the exceptional quality of the sky for evenings of astronomical observation.

Our selection of activities

Highligths

With theGeological adventure, explore them origins of the landscapes of the Southern AlpsThe geological adventure is a an experience to enjoy as a family !